BIBLE STUDY: Sunday, June 24, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curriculum and additional resources for all age groups.

This week's Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.

Bible Passages: Joshua 13:1 - 22:34

Discussion Question: What are the characteristics of faithful people that inspire you?

Food for Thought:

In just over a month, many of us will be glued to the television watching the Summer Olympics in London when the torch is lit on July 27 in Olympic Stadium.

Each time we gather for these games, at least one great story emerges. It may be a dad helping his injured son finish a race or an underdog pulling off the improbable. The story may simply be of a particular country even having a team.

We don't know what yet, but there will be one photo, one victory or one story that will inspire us and challenge us to action. Someone somewhere will take up that sport simply because of what they saw watching the competition. They want to be "that guy" or "that girl."

Caleb was one such person who inspired. Only he and Joshua survived the 40 years of wondering in the wilderness. They had no other peers. Caleb had remained faithful through all those years and had never forgotten the promise made to him. He was a worthy example not because of what he did, but rather because he never lost sight of God and His promise. The writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers to "carefully observe the outcome of their lives , imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7). It is this kind of faith that makes one a worthy inspiration.

Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping on pace to study through the entire Bible in eight years. The eight-year plan and more information can be found on the Internet at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.